12 indicted on pot-candy charges

March 30, 2006

A federal grand jury indicted 12 people Thursday on charges that they worked at East Bay warehouses to make candy and soft drinks resembling popular goodies but laced with marijuana.

The alleged ringleader, Kenneth Affolter, 39, of Lafayette, six other men and five women worked at Beyond Bomb and allegedly manufactured a range of pot-laced treats with names like Buddahfingers, Munchy Way, Rasta Reece's and Puff-a-Mint Pattie, authorities said.

Beyond Bomb operated from adjoining warehouses at 1055 and 1071 Yerba Buena Ave. and 3960 Adeline St. in Emeryville, according to Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

Most of the defendants have been released from bond, but Affolter will be in court today to argue for his release, said his attorney, Robert Byers of Oakland.

Medical marijuana advocates say the treats are legal under state law and are designed for sick patients who rely on cannabis to ease their symptoms. DEA officials say marijuana in any form is illegal under federal law.